[Claim for Relocation Expenses Under Meritorious Claims Act]

An Army manpower-shortage category appointee requested reimbursement for relocation expenses incurred in traveling to his first duty station. GAO noted that his travel orders authorized the employee full relocation expenses for him and his family. However, the Army improperly issued the travel orders since the employee was new and was not being transferred from one duty station to another. GAO held that the employee's claim met the Meritorious Claims Act's relief standards. Accordingly, the employee's request for reimbursement was submitted to Congress for consideration.